Purpose : Progress in the management of prostate cancer depends on the timely completion of clinical trials that address important relevant treatment questions. This study examines the accrual process for prostate cancer clinical trials to elicit specific reasons why patients are not being accrued at higher rates at two Canadian cancer centers. Methods : A chart review was conducted on all prostate cancer patients who were referred for a treatment consultation at the centers during two, one-month periods. Patients were prospectively tracked for trial eligibility, whether they were approached for trial participation, and if so whether they accepted or declined. Telephone interviews were conducted in one of the centers on those patients who were approached to determine the reasons for their decisions regarding trial participation. Results : Of 359 patients seen for a treatment decision, 48.2% were eligible for at least one trial, 67.6% of eligible patients were approached to participate in a trial, and 46.2% of those approached were accrued. This resulted in an overall accrual rate of 15.0%. There were significant differences in the interview responses of trial acceptors and decliners to some questions. Conclusion : Accrual may be increased not only by designing trials that address issues in patients with common clinical characteristics but also by broadening eligibility criteria, and by emphasizing the benefits of trial participation to potential patients.
UroOncology
Volume 2, 2002 - Issue 4